Dennis Plante and Chris Johnson wrote:
I don't mean to specifically target this at Dennis' remarks so much as the idea shared by a number of people who believe that having the Allina HQ is going to be a big economic benefit to the neighborhood.
WM: The big economic advantage that Allina's 20 year lease provides is stability to the Sears project.
One of the reasons Allina and Wells Fargo wanted the 35W Excess Project is so that they could "beam" their employees right into their parking lots without them having to pass through "those" neighborhoods.
WM: The myth of "those" neighborhoods is one we intend to dispel. Further, I don't think hospital employees uniformly think of Powderhorn, Central, and Phillips that way. Those wot's got their knickers in a twist about class will see it that way. Those who don't, won't.
Chris Johnson writes:
Lunch? Now there's a real possibility. People do need to eat, and some adventurous souls will no doubt go out into the neighborhood and buy lunch -- maybe at Sunny's Restaurant and Liquors or Chi Lake Cafe.
Chi-Lake Cafe closed several years ago. I'm looking forward to more Middle Eastern and African restaurants.
Chris Johnson writes:
A few might decide to move to shorten their commutes. Maybe some of them might even move into the city of Minneapolis. And a few of those might even move to a neighborhood near the Sears building -- or not. A fraction of a fraction of a fraction sounds like very few at all.
Dennis Plante responds:
One thing to bear in mind. Allina doesn't only employ middle to upper-class people from the suburbs. They have MANY entry level positions where the employees have to consider the cost/time associated with commuting to their job. In turn, this will enhance the property values of the surrounding rental properties. They all pay taxes.
WM: There is also St. Mary's College which teaches a core curriculum for hospital employees. They also have programs which give preference to people from the surrounding area. Those students are fed right into Abbott, Children's, and other local hospitals.
Dennis Plante responds:
I think Minneapolis will benefit in more than a marginal manner from the Allina move. And you're right Chris, a balance sheet needs to be generated. But, on that balance sheet needs to be portrayed the subjective benefits to Minneapolis as a WHOLE.
WM: Ten thousand people per week transfer buses at Lake and Chicago, a not fun thing to do with 'let's make a drug deal,' 'can I sell you my sister,' and 'hey, chickie, wadda ya charge.' Then there are cut purses, occasional car jackers, shots fired (three last night), etc. If the Sears project turns out anything like what we hope for, that will change. If only half of those 10,000 commuters stop in to buy something, that 5,000 more than stop there now.
I don't even go to Lake and Chicago and I live three blocks away. I would love to be able to shop there. It would make life much nicer for those of us who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Sears. I think, Mr. Johnson, that you underestimate what it means to resuscitate 11.6 acres of land right in the heart of the city.
WizardMarks, Central
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